Postprandial gastrokinetic agent

ABSTRACT

To provide a therapeutic agent for gastrointestinal disorder such as diabetic gastroparesis. A postprandial gastrokinetic agent containing (A) ghrelin or a ghrelin agonist and (B) motilin or a motilin agonist as active ingredients, in which both the ingredients (A) and (B) are administered so as to act on the stomach after food intake.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/779,730, filed Sep. 24, 2015, which is a National Stage of PCT Application No. PCT/JP2014/053060, filed Feb. 10, 2014 and claims the benefits of priority to Japanese Application No. 2013-062726, filed Mar. 25, 2013. The entire contents of all of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a postprandial gastrokinetic agent.

BACKGROUND ART

Pathological conditions (hereinafter may be referred to simply as diseases) such as diabetic gastroparesis, postoperative gastroparesis, and functional dyspepsia are known to show suppressed postprandial gastric motility and significantly degraded ability in gastric emptying of food. As drugs for enhancing gastric emptying of food to cope with such conditions, itopride hydrochloride and mosapride citrate, for example, are known. However, whether these drugs can provide sufficient effect on patients with severe conditions is still unknown. Accordingly, development of a truly effective drug is demanded.

Ghrelin is a peptide found in the stomach, and predominantly produced by gastric endocrine cells. Ghrelin is known as an appetite-stimulating peptide related to enhanced appetite and an increase in body weight. Regarding the gastric emptying of food by ghrelin, a report describes that continuous intravenous administration of ghrelin or massive administration of ghrelin to healthy subjects and patients with diabetes, both after food intake, accelerates gastric emptying (Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2). Also, administration of TZP-102, a ghrelin agonist, to fasting subjects does not accelerate gastric emptying (Non-Patent Document 3).

Motilin is a peptide of 22 amino acid residues, and is known as a substance that causes interdigestive gastric contractions in conscious dogs and humans. Motilin, when continuously administered intravenously to fasting subjects, is known to accelerate gastric emptying (Non-Patent Document 4). There is also a report describing that administration of mitemcinal, a motilin agonist, to fasting subjects enhances gastric emptying (Non-Patent Document 5).

Recently, an in vitro study was performed to investigate the gastric contractions inducing mechanism of ghrelin using an isolated stomach of Suncus murinus. The study revealed that administration of ghrelin alone, even at a high dose, does not accelerate gastric contractions, but treatment of subjects with a low dose of motilin in advance recovers susceptibility of ghrelin, suggesting that prior administration of motilin may open the gate of ghrelin circuit (Non-Patent Document 6).

CITATION LIST Non-Patent Documents

-   Non-Patent Document 1: Neurogastroenterol. Motil. 2010, 22,     e192-e200 -   Non-Patent Document 2: Peptides 2006, 1603-1606 -   Non-Patent Document 3: Neurogastroenterol. Motil. 2013, 25,     e140-e150 -   Non-Patent Document 4: Gastroenterology. 1992, 102, 97-101 -   Non-Patent Document 5: Aliment Pharmacol. Ther. 2007, 26, 1121-1130 -   Non-Patent Document 6: Am. J. Physiol. Gastrointest. Liver Physiol.     2012, 302: G1207-G1215

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

The present invention provides a novel postprandial gastrokinetic agent.

Means for Solving the Problems

The present inventors have widely studied gastric emptying of food after food intake, not in a fasted state. It had been thought that motilin would not cause gastric contractions unless administered to subjects in a fasted state, based on the understanding that it is a causal substance of interdigestive gastric contractions. However, surprisingly, the inventors have found that when ghrelin and motilin are both administered so as to act after food intake, excellent gastric motility enhancing effect is obtained even at such low doses that ghrelin and motilin each independently does not act. The inventors have further found that ghrelin stimulates migrating motor complex (MMC) via the vagus nerve, which is indispensable for the onset of postprandial gastric contractions, and postprandial gastric contractions induced by motilin depends on the vagus nerve. The present invention has been completed based on these findings.

Specifically, the present invention provides the following [1] to [12].

[1] A postprandial gastrokinetic agent comprising (A) ghrelin or a ghrelin agonist and (B) motilin or a motilin agonist as active ingredients, wherein both the ingredients (A) and (B) are administered so as to act on the stomach after food intake.

[2] The postprandial gastrokinetic agent according to [1], wherein the administration so as to act on the stomach after food intake is administration so as to achieve effective blood levels of the ingredients (A) and (B) after food intake.

[3] The postprandial gastrokinetic agent according to [1] or [2] for a disease selected from the group consisting of diabetic gastroparesis, postoperative gastroparesis, and functional dyspepsia.

[4] A method for enhancing postprandial gastric motility, comprising administering both (A) ghrelin or a ghrelin agonist and (B) motilin or a motilin agonist so as to act on the stomach after food intake.

[5] The method for enhancing postprandial gastric motility according to [4], wherein the administration so as to act on the stomach after food intake is administration so as to achieve effective blood levels of the ingredients (A) and (B) after food intake.

[6] The method for enhancing postprandial gastric motility according to [4] or [5] for a disease selected from the group consisting of diabetic gastroparesis, postoperative gastroparesis, and functional dyspepsia.

[7] A combination of (A) ghrelin or a ghrelin agonist and (B) motilin or a motilin agonist for use in enhancing postprandial gastric motility, wherein both the ingredients (A) and (B) are administered so as to act on the stomach after food intake.

[8] The combination of the ingredients (A) and (B) according to [7], wherein the administration so as to act on the stomach after food intake is administration so as to achieve effective blood levels of the ingredients (A) and (B) after food intake.

[9] The combination of the ingredients (A) and (B) according to [7] or [8], wherein the ingredients (A) and (B) are used in a postprandial gastrokinetic agent for a disease selected from the group consisting of diabetic gastroparesis, postoperative gastroparesis, and functional dyspepsia.

[10] Use of a combination of (A) ghrelin or a ghrelin agonist and (B) motilin or a motilin agonist for production of a postprandial gastrokinetic agent, wherein both the ingredients (A) and (B) are administered so as to act on the stomach after food intake.

[11] The use according to [10], wherein the administration so as to act on the stomach after food intake is administration so as to achieve effective blood levels of the ingredients (A) and (B) after food intake.

[12] The use according to [10] or [11] for production of a postprandial gastrokinetic agent for a disease selected from the group consisting of diabetic gastroparesis, postoperative gastroparesis, and functional dyspepsia.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, both (A) ghrelin or a ghrelin agonist and (B) motilin or a motilin agonist are administered so as to act on the stomach after food intake, thereby providing excellent effect of enhancing postprandial gastric motility. This can alleviate eating disorder and various postprandial symptoms in diabetic gastroparesis, postoperative gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, and similar conditions. The effects of the present invention cannot be expected from conventionally accepted common knowledge in which motilin or a motilin agonist acts during the interdigestive period.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a chart showing the effect of postprandial administration of ghrelin (50 ng/kg) alone.

FIG. 2 is a chart showing the effect of postprandial administration of motilin (300 ng/kg) alone.

FIG. 3 is a chart showing the effect of postprandial co-administration of motilin (200 ng/kg) and ghrelin (50 ng/kg).

FIG. 4 is a chart showing the effect of postprandial co-administration of motilin (300 ng/kg) and ghrelin (50 ng/kg).

FIG. 5A is a chart showing spontaneous contractions of the stomach of sham-operated Suncus murinus in the fasted state.

FIG. 5B is a chart showing spontaneous contractions of the stomach of vagotomized Suncus murinus in the fasted state.

FIG. 5C is a graph showing contraction duration at each phase of MMC in the sham-operated Suncus murinus and the vagotomized Suncus murinus.

FIG. 5D is a graph showing a motility index at phase II of MMC in the sham-operated Suncus murinus and the vagotomized Suncus murinus.

FIG. 6A is charts showing the effect of ghrelin at phase II of MMC in the sham-operated Suncus murinus.

FIG. 6B is charts showing the effect of ghrelin at phase II of MMC in the vagotomized Suncus murinus.

FIG. 6C is a graph showing a motility index during administration of ghrelin in the sham-operated Suncus murinus and the vagotomized Suncus murinus.

FIG. 7A is a chart showing spontaneous contractions by administration of motilin in the sham-operated Suncus murinus.

FIG. 7B is a chart showing spontaneous contractions by administration of motilin in the vagotomized Suncus murinus.

FIG. 7C is a graph showing a motility index during administration of motilin in the sham-operated Suncus murinus and the vagotomized Suncus murinus.

FIG. 7D is a graph showing contraction duration during administration of motilin in the sham-operated Suncus murinus and the vagotomized Suncus murinus.

FIG. 8A is a chart showing an action for gastric contractions by administration of motilin after food intake in the sham-operated Suncus murinus.

FIG. 8B is a chart showing an action for gastric contractions by administration of motilin after food intake in the vagotomized Suncus murinus.

FIG. 8C is a graph showing a motility index during administration of motilin after food intake in the sham-operated Suncus murinus and the vagotomized Suncus murinus.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the postprandial effect of enhancing gastric motility by co-administration of ghrelin and motilin. G represents ghrelin, M represents motilin, and values following G and M represent dosages.

FIG. 10 is graphs showing the postprandial gastric emptying by co-administration of ghrelin and motilin. 0.1% BSA/PBS is used as a control, M300 represents administration of 300 ng/kg of motilin, and G50 represents administration of 50 ng/kg of ghrelin.

FIG. 11A is charts showing an action for postprandial gastric contractions by co-administration of a ghrelin agonist (Z) and motilin (M). Z represents a ghrelin agonist, and M represents motilin. M300 represents administration of 300 ng/kg of motilin. In administration of ghrelin agonist (Z) alone, Z10 mg and Z30 mg represent administration of 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg, respectively. In co-administration of ghrelin agonist (Z) and motilin (M), Z50 and Z100 represent administration of 50 μg/kg and 100 μg/kg, respectively.

FIG. 11B is a graph showing an action for postprandial gastric contractions by co-administration of a ghrelin agonist (Z) and motilin (M). Z represents a ghrelin agonist, and M represents motilin. M300 represents administration of 300 ng/kg of motilin. In administration of ghrelin agonist (Z) alone, Z10 mg and Z30 mg represent administration of 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg, respectively. In co-administration of ghrelin agonist (Z) and motilin (M), Z50 and Z100 represent administration of 50 μg/kg and 100 μg/kg, respectively.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A combination of (A) ghrelin or a ghrelin agonist and (B) motilin or a motilin agonist is used as active ingredients of a postprandial gastrokinetic agent of the present invention.

Human ghrelin is a 28-amino acid residue peptide. In active human ghrelin, a hydroxyl group of serine at position 3 is esterified by octanoic acid. A ghrelin agonist has high selectivity to a ghrelin receptor, and is an agonist to the ghrelin receptor having an agonistic activity that is about 10 times to about 1/100 times the activity of ghrelin. Examples thereof include a cyclic peptide compound and a peptide compound. Examples of the cyclic peptide compound include TZP-102 and TZP-101. Examples of the peptide compound include anamorelin, ipamorelin, tabimorelin, capromorelin, macimorelin, CP-464709-18, EX-1314, GTP-200, MK-0677, BMS-317180, and compounds described in WO2009/098901.

Examples of the cyclic peptide compound as a ghrelin agonist include a compound represented by the following formula (1) and a salt thereof:

wherein R¹, R³, and R⁴ each independently an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an arylalkyl group which may have a substituent, an aryl group, or a heterocyclic group; R² represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; and R⁵ represents an alkylene group, an alkyl-O-alkyl group, an alkyl-O-arylene group, or an alkyl-O-arylene-alkyl group.

Groups represented by R¹, R³, and R⁴ are preferably a linear or branched C₁ to C₆ alkyl group, a C₃ to C₇ cycloalkyl group, a phenyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl group (which may be substituted by halogen, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ alkyl, etc.), a C₆ to C₁₀ aryl group, an indolyl group, or an imidazolyl group. R² is preferably a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group. R⁵ is preferably a linear or branched C₅ to C₈ alkylene group, a C₂ to C₆ alkyl-O—C₂ to C₆ alkyl group, a C₂ to C₆ alkyl-O-phenylene group, or a C₂ to C₆ alkyl-O-phenylene-C₂ to C₆ alkyl group. Herein, alkyl and alkylene may be branched.

Examples of the peptide compound as a ghrelin agonist include a compound represented by the following formula (2) or (3) and a salt thereof:

wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are the same or different from each other, and each independently a hydrogen atom or a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group; R⁸ and R⁹ are the same or different from each other, and each independently a hydrogen atom, or a linear, branched, or cyclic C₁ to C₆ alkyl group (the alkyl group may be substituted by a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a C₁ to C₆ alkoxy group, a phenyl group, a benzyloxy group, or a hydroxyphenyl group), or R⁸ or R⁹ and R⁶ or R⁷ may form, together with the adjacent nitrogen atom, a pyrrolidine ring or a piperidine ring (the pyrrolidine ring or the piperidine ring may be substituted by a hydroxyl group); R¹⁰ and R¹² are the same or different from each other, and each independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R¹¹ represents a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group (the alkyl group may be substituted by a methylthio group or a benxyloxy group), a phenyl group, a phenyl-C₁₋₄ alkyl group, a naphthyl-C₁₋₄ alkyl group, or an indolyl C₁₋₄ alkyl group (the phenyl group or the indolyl group may be substituted by one to four groups selected from the group consisting of a C_(i) to C₆ alkyl group, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, and a C₁ to C₆ alkoxy group); n is a number of 0 or 1; A represents a single bond, a C₁ to C₄ alkylene group, or a C₂ to C₄ alkenylene group; R¹³ represents a formula (a), (b), or (c); and R¹⁴ represents the formula (c):

in the formulae (a) and (b), R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ are the same or different from each other, and each independently a phenyl-C₁ to C₄ alkyl group or a naphthyl-C₁ to C₄ alkyl group; R¹⁷ represents a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched C₁ to C₆ alkyl group, or an amino-C₁ to C₆ alkyl group; R¹⁸ represents a hydrogen atom or —CH₂Ar (wherein Ar represents a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, a 5-membered or 6-membered aromatic heterocyclic group having one or two heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of S, N, and O, or a condensed aromatic heterocyclic group formed from a benzene ring and a 5-membered or 6-membered heterocyclic ring having one or two heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of S, N, and O (wherein the phenyl group, the naphthyl group, or the aromatic heterocyclic group may be substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms, a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group, or a C₁ to C₆ alkoxy group)); R¹⁹ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group, a C₁ to C₆ alkylsulfonyl group (wherein the alkyl group or the alkyl group in the alkylsulfonyl group may be substituted by a group selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a hydroxyalkyl carbamate group, a halogen atom, and a carbamoylalkyl carbamate group), or

wherein R²⁰ and R²¹ are the same or different from each other, each independently a hydrogen atom, a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group, a formyl group, or a C₂ to C₆ alkanoyl group which may be substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms; or R²⁰ and R²¹ may form, together with the adjacent nitrogen atom, a 5-membered or 6-membered heterocyclic ring having one nitrogen atom; and a ring represented by Het represents a ring selected from the group consisting of an imidazolyl group, a tetrazolyl group, an indolyl-piperazine-spiro ring group, a pyrazolopyridine ring group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolin-2-one ring group, a piperidine ring group, and a triazolopyridine ring group.

The ring represented by Het is preferably the following ring:

wherein R²² represents a hydrazide group which may be substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₄ alkyl groups; and R¹⁸ to R²¹ and Ar have the same meanings as described above.

The formula (h) is preferably the following formula (h-1):

wherein X represents CH₂, C═O, CH—OR²³, CH—SR²³, or CH—NR²³R²⁴; l is a number of 1 or 2; R²³ and R²⁴ are the same or different from each other, and each independently a hydrogen atom or a linear, branched, or cyclic C₁ to C₆ alkyl group; and Ar has the same meaning as defined above.

Human motilin is a 22-amino acid residue peptide. A motilin agonist has high selectivity to a motilin receptor, and is an agonist to the motilin receptor having an agonistic activity that is about 10 times to about 1/100 times the activity of motilin. Examples thereof include a macrolide-based compound, for example, mitemcinal fumarate, erythromycin, EM-523, GSK-962040, GSK-1322888, ABT-229, atilmotin, RQ-00201894, SK-896, and idremcinal.

Examples of an erythromycin derivative as a motilin agonist include a compound represented by the following formula (4):

wherein R²⁵ and R²⁶ each independently a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group, or a methyl group, or R²⁵ and R²⁶ together form an oxo group; R²⁷ and R²⁸ each independently a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group, or a methyl group; R²⁹ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R³⁰ and R³¹ each independently a C₁ to C₄ alkyl group; and a dotted line may be a double bond.

The present invention is characterized in that both the ingredients (A) and (B) are administered so as to act on the stomach after food intake. The ingredient (A) is generally known to enhance gastric emptying of food under administration after food intake. The ingredient (B) is known to act only on an empty stomach. However, administration of both the ingredients (A) and (B) after food intake can achieve excellent effect of enhancing gastric motility even in such doses that the ingredients (A) and (B) each independently do not enhance gastric motility, as described in Examples below.

Herein, the administration of the ingredients (A) and (B) so as to act on the stomach after food intake means that the ingredients (A) and (B) are administered so as to exert actions of the ingredients (A) and (B) after food intake, that is, after food is taken into the stomach. For example, the ingredients (A) and (B) are administered so as to achieve effective blood levels of the ingredients (A) and (B) after food intake. A time required for achieving the effective blood level varies depending on the route of administration. For oral administration, the time is about 20 minutes to about 60 minutes after the administration, and for intravenous administration, the time is within about 10 minutes after the administration. Thus, both the ingredients (A) and (B) may be administered so as to achieve the effective blood levels after food intake in consideration of the route of administration.

In the present invention, “after food intake” means within about 30 minutes immediately after intake of a meal.

When the ingredients (A) and (B) are administered by the same route, the ingredients (A) and (B) may be administered simultaneously. When the ingredients (A) and (B) are administered by different routes, the timings of administration vary. For example, when the ingredient (A) is a preparation for oral administration and the ingredient (B) is a preparation for intravenous administration, it is desired that the ingredient (A) be administered from about 30 minutes before to immediately before intake of a meal and the ingredient (B) be administered immediately after food intake.

In the present invention, the ingredients (A) and (B) may be contained in one preparation, or each contained in different preparations. A preparation containing the ingredient (A) and a preparation containing the ingredient (B) may be different in the route of administration. The preparation containing the ingredient (A) and the preparation containing the ingredient (B) may be sold in a form of combination preparation (kit).

The mode of administration of pharmaceutical of the present invention is not particularly limited, and can be selected properly according to the therapeutic purpose. Specific examples thereof include an oral preparation (tablet, coating tablet, powder, granule, capsule, solution, etc.), an injection, a suppository, a patch, and an ointment. For ghrelin and motilin, an injection is preferred, and for a ghrelin agonist and a motilin agonist, an oral preparation and an injection are preferred.

The pharmaceutical of the present invention can be prepared using a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier depending on the mode of administration by a generally known method. Examples of the carrier include various agents generally used for a drug. Specific examples thereof include an excipient, a binder, a disintegrant, a lubricant, a diluent, a solution adjuvant, a suspending agent, a tonicity agent, a pH adjuster, a buffer, a stabiliser, a colorant, a flavoring agent, and a smell masking agent.

In the present invention, each dose of the ingredients (A) and (B) may be lower than the dose at which each of the ingredients (A) and (B) is predicted to independently act. It is sufficient that the dose of the ingredient (A) be, for example, 1/50 to 1/500 of the dose at which the ingredient (A) is usually predicted to act alone. It is sufficient that the dose of the ingredient (B) be, for example, ⅓ to 1/30 of the dose at which the ingredient (B) is usually predicted to act alone.

In the present invention, the dose of ghrelin is preferably 1.5 to 20 μg, more preferably 2 to 6 μg per intravenous administration per adult. The dose of motilin is preferably 6 to 40 μg, more preferably 9 to 20 μg per intravenous administration per adult. The doses of ghrelin agonist and motilin agonist vary depending on the route of administration and an ingredient, and can be determined in accordance with ghrelin-like action and motilin-like action of the agonists in consideration of the doses of ghrelin and motiolin.

The present invention can enhance postprandial gastric motility, and thus promote postprandial gastric emptying of food. Accordingly, the present invention can alleviate a symptom of decreasing gastric emptying of food due to diabetic gastroparesis, postoperative gastroparesis, and functional dyspepsia.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to Examples.

Example 1

Effects of administration of each of ghrelin and motilin and co-administration of ghrelin and motilin on postprandial gastric motility in Suncus murinus were studied.

(1) Material and Method A. Drug

Each of Suncus motilin (Scrum Inc., Tokyo, Japan) and human ghrelin (Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Hyogo, Japan) was dissolved in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) containing 0.1% bovine serum albumin.

B. Animal

Suncus murinus (male, outbred KAT strain, 8 to 9 weeks old, 73 to 90 g) was used for the experiment. Each animal was bred in a plastic cage provided with an empty can as a nest box under the following conditions: temperature at 23±2° C., illumination between 8:00 and 20:00, and free intake of commercial trout feed (SP, Nippon Formula Feed Mfg Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan).

C. Operation (Fixation Suture of Force Transducer and Insertion of Catheter into Jugular Vein)

After 3 hours of fasting, Suncus murinus was anesthetized by an intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital sodium (50 mg/kg). Through a midline incision, the stomach was exposed outside the body, and a force transducer was fixed via suture in the circular muscle direction of the body of stomach. The wire extending from the force transducer was inserted through the abdominal wall, passed under the skin, and exposed at the back of the neck.

An intravenous catheter was inserted in the right jugular, and extracorporeally fixed to the back. The catheter was filled with heparinized saline (100 units/mL) to prevent clotting.

Each of the operated Suncus murinus was allowed to recover for several days.

D. Measurement of Gastric Motility

Drug administration and measurement of gastric motility were performed in the conscious, free-moving state without anesthesia.

E. Administration

2 g of feed was given to the Suncus murinus fastened (for 8 to 10 hours) for 10 minutes. After the intake of feed for 10 minutes, ghrelin (50 ng/kg), motilin (300 ng/kg), or a mixed solution of ghrelin (50 ng/kg) and motilin (100, 200, or 300 ng/kg) was intravenously administered through a jugular vein catheter rapidly.

F. Measurement of Gastric Motility

Amplified analog signals were converted into digital signals by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC-20, Pico Technology Ltd, St Neots, UK), and the digital signals were recorded on a computer.

Phase III contractions of MMC in conscious Suncus murinus were defined on the basis of those in dogs and humans (that is, clustered contractions with an amplitude of 8 g or more that lasts for 5 minutes or more).

G. Data Analysis

Gastric motility was quantitated using a motility index (MI). A motility index (MI) based on a drug was calculated using the following equation.

MI (%)=A/B×100

A: AUC of contractions for 10 minutes during which the drug was administered B: AUC of 10-minute spontaneous phase III contractions appeared before administration of the drug

H. Statistical Analysis

After one-way ANOVA, a multiple comparison test was performed by the Tukey's method. A p value of 0.05 or less was considered to be statistically significant.

(2) Results A. Action of Ghrelin Alone

50 ng/kg of ghrelin (G) did not induce contractions of the body of the stomach (FIG. 1).

B. Action of Motilin Alone

300 ng/kg of motilin (M) did not induce contractions of the body of the stomach (FIG. 2).

C. Action by Co-Administration of Ghrelin (G) and Motilin (M)

50 ng/kg of G and 200 ng/kg of M induced phase III-like contractions smaller than spontaneous phase III contractions (FIG. 3).

(Motility index: about 45%)

50 ng/kg of G and 300 ng/kg of M induced phase III-like contractions (FIG. 4).

(Motility index: about 85%)

Example 2 (1) Material and Method A. Drug

Each of Suncus motilin (Scrum Inc., Tokyo, Japan) and human ghrelin (Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Hyogo, Japan) were dissolved in PBS containing 0.1% bovine serum albumin.

B. Animal

Suncus murinus (male, outbred KAT strain, 7 to 15 weeks old, 60 to 100 g) was used for the experiment. Each animal was bred in a plastic cage provided with an empty can as a nest box under the following conditions: temperature at 23±2° C., illumination between 8:00 and 20:00, and free intake of commercial trout feed (SP, Nippon Formula Feed Mfg Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan).

C. Operation (Fixation Suture of Force Transducer, Vagotomy, and Insertion of Catheter into Jugular Vein)

After 3 hours of fasting, Suncus murinus was anesthetized by an intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital sodium (50 mg/kg). Through a midline incision, the stomach was exposed outside the body, and a force transducer was fixed via suture in the circular muscle direction of the body of stomach. The wire extending from the force transducer was inserted through the abdominal wall, passed under the skin, and exposed at the back of the neck. Thereafter, truncal vagotomy was performed. A lower portion of the esophagus was exposed, both branches of the vagus nerve were isolated, and about 3 mm of the vagus nerve was excised above the hepatic branch and the celiac branch. For sham-operated Suncus murinus, the vagus nerve was exposed, but not excised. An intravenous catheter was inserted in the right jugular, and extracorporeally fixed to the back. The catheter was filled with heparinized saline (100 units/mL) to prevent clotting.

From 2 days after the operation, the gastric motility was recorded.

D. Administration of Motilin and Ghrelin During Interdigestive Period and Postprandial Period Interdigestive Period

Administration of motilin was initiated 10 minutes after completion of spontaneous phase III. Synthesized suncus motilin was continuously injected at 50 ng/kg/min over 10 minutes, and the continuously injected amount was 50 μL/100 g BW/min. Administration of ghrelin was initiated 10 minutes after completion of spontaneous phase II. Acyl ghrelin was continuously injected at 0.1, 0.3, 1, or 3 μg/kg/min over 10 minutes.

Postprandial Period

1 g of feed was given to the Suncus murinus during phase I to observe postprandial contractions. Motilin was continuously injected at 50 ng/kg/min over 10 minutes 20 minutes after completion of intake of feed.

E. Measurement of Gastric Motility

Amplified analog signals were converted into digital signals by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC-20, Pico Technology Ltd, St Neots, UK), and the digital signals were recorded on a computer. Phase III contractions of MMC in conscious Suncus murinus were defined on the basis of those in dogs and humans (that is, clustered contractions with an amplitude of 8 g or more that lasts for 5 minutes or more).

F. Data

Gastric motility was quantitated using a motility index (MI). A motility index (MI) based on a drug was calculated using the following equation.

MI (%)=A/B×100

A: AUC of contractions for 10 minutes during which the drug was administered B: AUC of 10-minute spontaneous phase III contractions appeared before administration of the drug

H. Statistical Analysis

After ANOVA, Student's t test was performed. A p value of 0.05 or less was considered to be statistically significant.

(2) Results A. Spontaneous Contractions in Fasting State

In both the sham-operated Suncus murinus and the vagotomized Suncus murinus in the fasted state, periodic migrating motor complex (MMC) including phases I, II, and III was visibly observed (FIGS. 5A and 5B). The period (57±9 minutes) of phase II in the vagotomized Suncus murinus was significantly shorter than the period (139±16 minutes) of phase II in the sham-operated Suncus murinus. The period of phase I in the vagotomized Suncus murinus increased (238±76 minutes vs 60±6 minutes). In terms of the whole period of MMC and the phase III period, there were no significant differences between the sham-operated Suncus murinus and the vagotomized Suncus murinus (FIG. 5C). The motility index (MI) (13%±3%) of phase II in the vagotomized Suncus murinus was significantly lower than the motility index (MI) (29%±5%) of phase II in the sham-operated Suncus murinus (FIG. 5D).

B. Effect of Ghrelin in Phase II of MMC

10 minutes after initiation of phase II contractions, saline or ghrelin (at 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, or 10 μg/kg/min) was intravenously injected over 10 minutes. In the sham-operated Suncus murinus, ghrelin amplified the amplitude of spontaneous phase II contractions (FIG. 6A). However, ghrelin did not change the amplitude of spontaneous phase II contractions in the vagotomized Suncus murinus (FIG. 6B).

The MI in the sham-operated Suncus murinus during administration of ghrelin was higher than the MI in the vagotomized Suncus murinus during administration of ghrelin (FIG. 6C).

C. Effect of Motilin in Phase I of MMC

10 minutes after spontaneous phase III contractions, motilin (at 50 ng/kg/min) was intravenously injected over 10 minutes. In both the sham-operated Suncus murinus and the vagotomized Suncus murinus, motilin-induced phase III-like contractions were observed (FIGS. 7A and 7B). In the motility index (MI) during administration of motilin and the contraction duration due to motilin, a significant difference was not observed (FIGS. 7C and 7D).

D. Postprandial Gastric Motility and Effect of Motilin in Postprandial State

In the sham-operated Suncus murinus, phase I of MMC changed into non-periodic postprandial contractions after intake of feed, and 10-minute administration of motilin (50 ng/kg/min) did not induce phase III-like contractions (FIG. 8A). In contrast, in the vagotomized Suncus murinus, the intake of feed did not interrupt phase I of MMC, and exogenous motilin induced strong phase III contractions similarly to the action of motilin during fasting (FIG. 8B). The MI in the vagotomized Suncus murinus for 10 minutes after initiation of intake of feed was significantly lower than that in the sham-operated Suncus murinus, and the MI of postprandial motilin-induced contractions in the vagotomized Suncus murinus was significantly higher than that in the sham-operated Suncus murinus (FIG. 8C).

As clear from the results, it was revealed that, in the Suncus murinus, ghrelin stimulates phase II of MMC via the vagus nerve, the vague nerve is necessary for onset of postprandial gastric contractions, and inhibition of phase III contractions induced by motilin depends on the vagus nerve.

Example 3 (Action on Postprandial Motility by Co-Administration of Ghrelin and Motilin) (1) Material and Method A. Drug

Each of Suncus motilin (Scrum Inc., Tokyo, Japan) and human ghrelin (Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Hyogo, Japan) was dissolved in PBS containing 0.1% bovine serum albumin.

B. Animal

Suncus murinus (male, outbred KAT strain, 7 to 39 weeks old, 56 to 91 g) was used for the experiment. The Each animal was bred in a plastic cage provided with an empty can as a nest box under the following conditions: temperature at 23±2° C., illumination between 8:00 and 20:00, and free intake of commercial trout feed (SP, Nippon Formula Feed Mfg Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan).

C. Operation (Fixation Suture of Force Transducer and Insertion of Catheter into Jugular Vein)

After 3 hours of fasting, Suncus murinus was anesthetized by an intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital sodium (50 mg/kg). Through a midline incision, the stomach was exposed outside the body, and a force transducer was fixed via suture in the circular muscle direction of the body of stomach. The wire extending from the force transducer was inserted through the abdominal wall, passed under the skin, and exposed at the back of the neck.

An intravenous catheter was inserted in the right jugular, and extracorporeally fixed to the back. The catheter was filled with heparinized saline (100 units/mL) to prevent clotting.

Each of the operated Suncus murinus was allowed to recover for several days.

D. Measurement of Gastric Motility

Drug administration and measurement of gastric motility were performed in the conscious, free-moving state without anesthesia.

E. Administration

2 g of feed was given to each Suncus murinus fastened (for 8 to 10 hours) for 10 minutes. After the intake of feed for 10 minutes, ghrelin (50, 1,000, or 3,000 ng/kg), motilin (300, 500, 1,000, or 3,000 ng/kg), or a mixed solution of ghrelin (15 or 50 ng/kg) and motilin (100, 200, or 300 ng/kg) was intravenously administered through a jugular vein catheter rapidly.

F. Measurement of Gastric Motility

Amplified analog signals were converted into digital signals by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC-20, Pico Technology Ltd, St Neots, UK), and the digital signals were recorded on a computer.

Phase III contractions of MMC in conscious Suncus murinus were defined on the basis of those in dogs and humans (that is, clustered contractions with an amplitude of 8 g or more that lasts for 5 minutes or more).

G. Data Analysis

Gastric motility was quantitated using a motility index (ΔMI). A motility index (ΔMI) based on a drug was calculated using the following equation.

ΔMI (%)=(A−C)/B×100

A: AUC of contractions for 10 minutes during which the drug was administered B: AUC of 10-minute spontaneous phase III contractions appeared before administration of the drug C: (AUC of contractions appeared for 5 minutes between 5 and 10 minutes after the intake of feed)×2

(2) Results (FIG. 9) A. Action of Ghrelin Alone

50 ng/kg of ghrelin (G) did not induce contractions of the body of the stomach.

(Motility index: about 2.8%)

1,000 ng/kg of ghrelin (G) did not induce contractions of the body of the stomach.

(Motility index: about 7.6%)

3,000 ng/kg of ghrelin (G) did not induce contractions of the body of the stomach.

(Motility index: about 0.03%)

B. Action of Motilin Alone

300 ng/kg of motilin (M) did not induce contractions of the body of the stomach.

(Motility index: about 4.9%)

500 ng/kg of motilin (M) did not induce contractions of the body of the stomach.

(Motility index: about 6.8%)

1,000 ng/kg of motilin (M) induced phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 49.5%)

3,000 ng/kg of motilin (M) induced phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 48.3%)

C. Action by Co-Administration of Ghrelin (G) and Motilin (M)

50 ng/kg of G and 100 ng/kg of M did not induce phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 13.5%)

100 ng/kg of G and 100 ng/kg of M did not induce phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 12.1%)

200 ng/kg of G and 100 ng/kg of M did not induce phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 4.8%)

300 ng/kg of G and 100 ng/kg of M did not induce phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 3.5%)

25 ng/kg of G and 200 ng/kg of M did not induce phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 19.4%)

50 ng/kg of G and 200 ng/kg of M induced phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 24.4%)

100 ng/kg of G and 200 ng/kg of M did not induce phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 7.9%)

200 ng/kg of G and 200 ng/kg of M did not induce phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 1.2%)

300 ng/kg of G and 200 ng/kg of M did not induce phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 2.1%)

12.5 ng/kg of G and 300 ng/kg of M induced phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 63.5%)

25 ng/kg of G and 300 ng/kg of M induced phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 70.7%)

50 ng/kg of G and 300 ng/kg of M induced phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 55.0%)

100 ng/kg of G and 300 ng/kg of M induced phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 61.3%)

200 ng/kg of G and 300 ng/kg of M induced phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 67.3%)

300 ng/kg of G and 300 ng/kg of M induced phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 57.0%)

Example 4 (Action on Postprandial Gastric Emptying by Co-Administration of Ghrelin and Motilin) (1) Material and Method A. Drug

Each of Suncus motilin (Scrum Inc., Tokyo, Japan) and human ghrelin (Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Hyogo, Japan) was dissolved in PBS containing 0.1% bovine serum albumin (hereinafter referred to as 0.1% BSA/PBS).

B. Animal

Suncus murinus (male, outbred KAT strain, 7 to 14 weeks old, 60 to 91 g) was used for the experiment. Each animal was bred in a plastic cage provided with an empty can as a nest box under the following conditions: temperature at 23±2° C., illumination between 8:00 and 20:00, and free intake of commercial trout feed (SP, Nippon Formula Feed Mfg Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan).

C. Operation (Insertion of Catheter into Jugular Vein)

After 3 hours of fasting, Suncus murinus was anesthetized by an intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital sodium (50 mg/kg). An intravenous catheter was inserted in the right jugular, and extracorporeally fixed to the back. The catheter was filled with heparinized saline (100 units/mL) to prevent clotting.

Each of the operated Suncus murinus was allowed to recover for several days.

D. Measurement of Gastric Emptying

1.5 g of feed was given to the Suncus murinus fasted for 11 to 12 hours during a phase I period. 10 minutes after starting intake of feed, a 0.1% BSA/PBS solution as a solvent or a mixed solution of ghrelin (50 ng/kg) and motilin (300 ng/kg) that induced strong phase III-like contractions was intravenously administered rapidly. 20 minutes after the administration, the Suncus murinus was euthanized by intraperitoneal administration of excess amount of pentobarbital sodium, the pyloric part and the cardiac part were ligated with a suture, and the stomach was excised. The stomach was then opened along the greater curvature, and food in the stomach was collected in a petri dish. The food remaining in the stomach was dried in an incubator at 37° C., and the dry weight of the food was measured after 48 hours by an electronic balance. The residual ratio (%) in the stomach was calculated using (dry weight of the feeds taken out of the stomach/weight of eaten feeds)×100, and evaluated.

E. Statistical Analysis

Un-paired Student's t test was performed. A p value of 0.05 or less was considered to be statistically significant.

(2) Results (FIG. 10) A. Action by Administration of 0.1% BSA/PBS

0.1% BSA/PBS: The residual ratio in the stomach was 43.4%.

B. Action by Co-Administration of Ghrelin (G) and Motilin (M)

50 ng/kg of G and 300 ng/kg of M: The residual ratio in the stomach was 22.3%.

Example 5 (Action on Postprandial Motility after Meal by Co-Administration of a Ghrelin Agonist and Motilin) (1) Material and Method A. Drug

Suncus motilin (Scrum Inc., Tokyo, Japan) was dissolved in PBS containing 0.1% bovine serum albumin. A ghrelin agonist (compound in Example 34(a) in WO2009/098901) was dissolved in saline.

B. Animal

Suncus murinus (male, outbred KAT strain, 8 to 10 weeks old, 76 to 84 g) was used for the experiment. Each animal was bred in a plastic cage provided with an empty can as a nest box under the following conditions: temperature at 23±2° C., illumination between 8:00 and 20:00, and free intake of commercial trout feed (SP, Nippon Formula Feed Mfg Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan).

C. Operation (Fixation Suture of Force Transducer and Insertion of Catheter into Jugular Vein)

After 3 hours of fasting, Suncus murinus was anesthetized by an intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital sodium (50 mg/kg). Through a midline incision, the stomach was exposed outside the body, and a force transducer was fixed via suture in the circular muscle direction of the body of stomach. The wire extending from the force transducer was inserted through the abdominal wall, passed under the skin, and exposed at the back of the neck.

An intravenous catheter was inserted in the right jugular, and extracorporeally fixed to the back. The catheter was filled with heparinized saline (100 units/mL) to prevent clotting.

Each of the operated Suncus murinus was allowed to recover for several days.

D. Measurement of Gastric Motility

Drug administration and measurement of gastric motility were performed in the conscious, free-moving state without anesthesia.

E. Administration

2 g of feed was given to each Suncus murinus fastened (for 8 to 10 hours) for 10 minutes. After the 10-minute intake of feed, a ghrelin agonist (10 or 30 mg/kg), or a mixed solution of ghrelin agonist (50 or 100 μg/kg) and motilin (300 ng/kg) was intravenously administered through a jugular vein catheter rapidly.

F. Measurement of Gastric Motility

Amplified analog signals were converted into digital signals by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC-20, Pico Technology Ltd, St Neots, UK), and the digital signals were recorded on a computer.

Phase III contractions of MMC in conscious Suncus murinus were defined on the basis of those in dogs and humans (that is, clustered contractions with an amplitude of 8 g or more that lasts for 5 minutes or more).

G. Data Analysis

Gastric motility was quantitated using a motility index (ΔMI). A motility index (ΔMI) based on a drug was calculated using the following equation.

ΔMI (%)=(A−C)/B×100

A: AUC of contractions for 10 minutes during which the drug was administered B: AUC of 10-minute spontaneous phase III contractions appeared before administration of the drug C: (AUC of contractions appeared for 5 minutes between 5 and 10 minutes after the intake of feed)×2

(2) Results (FIGS. 11A and 11B) A. Action of Ghrelin Agonist Alone

10 mg/kg of ghrelin agonist (Z) did not induce contractions of the body of the stomach.

(Motility index: about 5.7%)

30 mg/kg of ghrelin agonist (Z) did not induce contractions of the body of the stomach.

(Motility index: about 3.7%)

B. Action by Co-Administration of Ghrelin Agonist (Z) and Motilin (M)

50 μg/kg of Z and 300 ng/kg of M induced phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 65.9%)

100 μg/kg of Z and 300 ng/kg of M induced phase III-like contractions.

(Motility index: about 59.1%) 

1. A postprandial gastrokinetic agent, comprising: (A) ghrelin or a ghrelin agonist and (B) motilin or a motilin agonist as active ingredients.
 2. A method for enhancing postprandial gastric motility, comprising: administering an ingredient (A) which is ghrelin or a ghrelin agonist and an ingredient (B) which is motilin or a motilin agonist to a subject in need thereof such that an effective blood level of each of the ingredients (A) and (B) is achieved after food intake, wherein after food intake is within about 30 minutes immediately after intake of a meal, and timing of the administering of each of the ingredients (A) and (B) is determined in consideration of a time to achieve the effective blood level, which is about 20 minutes to about 60 minutes after oral administration and about 10 minutes after intravenous administration.
 3. The method according to claim 2, which treats a disease selected from the group consisting of diabetic gastroparesis, postoperative gastroparesis, and functional dyspepsia.
 4. The method according to claim 2, which treats diabetic gastroparesis.
 5. The method according to claim 2, wherein the administering comprises orally administering the ingredients (A) and (B) from about 30 minutes before to immediately before intake of a meal such that the effective blood level is achieved about 20 minutes to about 60 minutes after oral administration of the ingredients (A) and (B), respectively.
 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the administering comprises orally administering the ingredients (A) and (B) simultaneously.
 7. The method according to claim 2, wherein the administering comprises intravenously administering the ingredients (A) and (B) immediately after food intake such that the effective blood level is achieved about 10 minutes after intravenous administration of the ingredients (A) and (B), respectively.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the administering comprises intravenously administering the ingredients (A) and (B) simultaneously.
 9. The method according to claim 2, which treats postoperative gastroparesis.
 10. The method according to claim 2, which treats functional dyspepsia.
 11. A method of treating a human patient having a disease selected from the group consisting of diabetic gastroparesis, postoperative gastroparesis, and functional dyspepsia, comprising: administering ghrelin or a ghrelin agonist and motilin or a motilin agonist to the human patient.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein diabetic gastroparesis is treated.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein postoperative gastroparesis is treated.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein functional dyspepsia is treated.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the administering comprises simultaneously administering ghrelin or a ghrelin agonist and motilin or a motilin agonist. 